OK I am looking at an 84 Hunter 31. It is not in great shape, but not terrible either. The price looks like it may be had quite cheap as it has been on the hard for 2 years and the winter storage bill will be coming due very soon. There are a couple of issues that have me concerned. I am looking for a bit of a project boat and plan to live aboard. I have been looking for quite a while and have looked at several boats that I may be able to afford in a few years from now, but in the mean time I am thinking this might be a good boat to learn on and live on till I can swing the more expensive boat. It will also help me make a more informed choice on the next boat as I will really know what I want. I owned a 40 foot house boat about 20 years ago, so I understand the maintenance on a boat in general. Here are the 2 issues I am not entirely sure about. first is that the compression post has been replaced but the deck or cabin liner seems to be a bit compressed where the compression post is. I am not sure how big of a repair it might be and how urgently it needs to be addressed. The second is that there are some chips in the chine on the stern. They are not bad, but will be filled before launch. Any suggestions on what else to look for?
Looking at a 84 Hunter 31
- Thread starter miatapaul
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The cross member is probably rotten and the compression post is likely to be in the same shape. There may also be some rot in the bulkhead (check for discoloration). I would guess that you are looking at $3000-$4000 for a proper repair with an alum or stainless post and recovered with teak to look original.
What are they asking for the boat?
Is the second photo the stern with chips?
What are they asking for the boat?
Is the second photo the stern with chips?
The wood inside the cross beam over the compression post is rotting due to a leak in the mast step. This is not a trivial job but requires removal of the compression post and mast to be done properly.. The transom chips are cosmetic due to hitting things like docks.. If you search this forum using "Compression post" I think you'll find a lot of info on the compression post and cross beam job. The one in the H-34 is essentially the same. The anchor points for the chainplates should be inspected. These are the places inside the cabin where the big stainless rods are screwed in at their lower ends. These are a big job to repair if they are very rusted. Another one is the ring on the steering pedestal just below the compass . This is the ring that has the shift and throttle levers in it. If that ring is plastic and cracked, the replacement is expensive and a tedious job.. The old gate valve through hulls should have been replaced with bronze quarter turn ball valves. If there are gate valves, plan on careful inspection for function or replace them.. That can get pretty expensive. Carefully check the propeller and shaft support strut for electrolysis.. If the bronze is getting pinkish, it may be time to replace.. Those are the kind of normal problems that come to mind .. Inspect carefully and adjust price as necessary.. Do get a good professional surveyor to look it over.. Good Luck !!
Re: Looking at a 84 Hunter 31...
Kloudie addressed your compression post question in detail. Here's an answer to your transom edge issue. Kloudie also covered almost all the other issues to be concerned about. One last one is that the opening and fixed ports need to be checked and rebedded if there is even a slight sign of leakage. All hatch screws need to be pulled and rebedded too.
My H34's transom edge was damaged in a storm earlier in the year by getting blown against a floating dock when a bow line failed. The surveyor who looked at the damage (see pic) said it would take submergence for an extended period to absorb enough water to do damage. He said to use the boat until the repair is authorized and done (full grind-out and reglass). Yours look like typical edge dings that can be addressed with some filler and gel-coat. Not nearly as big an issue as mine.
The H31 is our H34's little sister. You'll find it's a great boat to sail and enjoy!
Good Luck!
Kloudie addressed your compression post question in detail. Here's an answer to your transom edge issue. Kloudie also covered almost all the other issues to be concerned about. One last one is that the opening and fixed ports need to be checked and rebedded if there is even a slight sign of leakage. All hatch screws need to be pulled and rebedded too.
My H34's transom edge was damaged in a storm earlier in the year by getting blown against a floating dock when a bow line failed. The surveyor who looked at the damage (see pic) said it would take submergence for an extended period to absorb enough water to do damage. He said to use the boat until the repair is authorized and done (full grind-out and reglass). Yours look like typical edge dings that can be addressed with some filler and gel-coat. Not nearly as big an issue as mine.
The H31 is our H34's little sister. You'll find it's a great boat to sail and enjoy!
Good Luck!
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Thanks for the info, the compression post is new, but I guess he did not want to get into the cross beam. good to know about he chips on the stern, there is a bit of rust on the anchor points for the chain plates but still seem solid. Gate valves have been changed and they did a barrier coat a few years ago. New waste tank and head, but hoses look to need to be replaced. Newish roller furler and decent Yanmar Diesel recent running rigging, and stereo and VHF including antenna new Lexan sliding hatch.
Dan, ouch... looks like a shark was nibbling on your stern, at least you did not have to say "we are going to need a bigger boat."
He is asking about 11 grand, but I think given the things it needs I would be willing to pay less than half, and I think he may be ready to take it after the last discussion I had with him.
Dan, ouch... looks like a shark was nibbling on your stern, at least you did not have to say "we are going to need a bigger boat."
He is asking about 11 grand, but I think given the things it needs I would be willing to pay less than half, and I think he may be ready to take it after the last discussion I had with him.
What is gained by going to a Hunter 34? Looks like a bigger aft cabin, what else as it is hard to tell from photos.
Also what is gained/lost by going to a Cherubini 30 from the perspective of a 31?
Also what is gained/lost by going to a Cherubini 30 from the perspective of a 31?
Nothing wrong with a Cherubini 30. They sometimes have the older engines (1 cylinder), so they are underpowered. Good if they have a 2 cyl. There is a lot more space in the 31.
I am not too worried about space, more useable layout. It will be just me most of the time, but boys will spend weekends with me if they have a place and feel comfortable. That is the main reason I added a 1/4 birth to my desires, gives a separate space to sleep if they are not getting along. though that is rare, they have separate rooms in the house, but sleep in the same one about 90% of the time.
If I look at any I will check the engine, on the Hudson there can be quite a bit of current and with the fluky winds between the hills on either side of the river we can do a lot of motoring.
For instance if I gained a separate shower on the 34 vs the 31 it would make sense to really look for one.
If I look at any I will check the engine, on the Hudson there can be quite a bit of current and with the fluky winds between the hills on either side of the river we can do a lot of motoring.
For instance if I gained a separate shower on the 34 vs the 31 it would make sense to really look for one.
The aft berth on the 31 is very wide/deep but can be confining for some (not a lot of head room towards the center. The berth on the 30 is just about right for a single person.
Paul, my boys claimed their rooms when aboard.. The oldest had the aft cabin and the youngest had the vee birth in the 34.. I slept in the center cabin. The vee birth in a 34 is big enough to stretch out in.. The aft cabin bunk is bigger..compared to the 31, the 34 has more usable room, is a little quicker under sail.. Downside is that the maintenance is more expensive (more bottom paint, more slip fee, more insurance cost, etc..) Both are fine boats . Look at a couple of each model to get a better feel of what suits you the best. . Another option would be a Cherubini 33 .. most of those had a fine old engine and can be found for a little less than the 31's .. a very good sailing boat..
We recently purchased a 1984 Hunter 31. It was the second one we looked at and we are glad we bought it. The first one we looked at was a mess. The compression post was rotten at the base and beginning to collapse. It was pinching the floor grate in the head so I couldn't remove it.
OK I looked at the Hunter 34 modifications page and it looks like replacing the cross beam is involved but looks to be well within my abilities. Does anyone know of any website that details replacement of the anchor points for the chain plate rod? That one has me worried. The anchor points look like there is some surface rust, but not flaking yet. Just want to know what might be involved.
One bonus is that the keel bolts look really clean! and the bilge is very dry, it is on the hard but without any cover at the moment so looks to be relatively dry.
One bonus is that the keel bolts look really clean! and the bilge is very dry, it is on the hard but without any cover at the moment so looks to be relatively dry.
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